Walter Van Beirendonck and Bernhard Willhelm go to Miami

One of the original ‘Antwerp Six’ who helped to redefine fashion back in the 1980s, Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck is now head of the Fashion Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, alongside his role as creative director at his namesake brand.

Well known for his experimental spirit, he’s contributed work alongside another one of fashion’s biggest names, Los Angeles-based Bernhard Willhelm, to a new art show set to take place early next month in Miami while the city celebrates the Art Basel and Design Miami events. 

Curated by Heidi Chisholm, Cathy Leff, and Sharon Lombard, “The World of Mr Somebody & Mr Nobody” show will mix art opening, fashion store and design exhibition concepts. It’s inspired by the visual culture of Lombard and Chisholm’s native South Africa. Clothes by Van Beirendonck and Willhelm will be juxtaposed with works by Lombard and Chisholm as well as on-the-spot images by New York-based fashion and celebrity photographer Miles Ladin, graphic works by South African performance-artist-turned-graphic designer Peet Pienaar and more clothing by Johannesburg-based Ella Buter. All the individual pieces will be for sale. 

Located in the Miami Design District, the show will run December 1 to 15.